Cuba Formally Proposes Miguel Diaz-Canel to Replace Raul Castro as President

Raul Castro, the 86-year-old head of the country's Council of State and Cabinet became the head of the Cuban state in 2008, succeeding his older brother and Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro.

First Deputy Chairman of the State Council of Cuba Miguel Diaz-Canel has been officially nominated for the post of chairman of the State Council (the president of the state) during the session of the Cuban parliament.

Propone a Miguel Díaz Canel como Nuevo Presidente de #Cuba #CubaAsamblea2018 pic.twitter.com/uGtLWw53g6

— Nestor Rivas (@RivasNestor86) April 18, 2018

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The nomination is subject to a vote later in the day by the National Assembly and the result will be formally announced on April 19. Such votes are ordinarily unanimously or nearly unanimously ratified.

Miguel Díaz-Canel es el único candidato para la presidencia de #Cuba. Muchos creen que va a ganar. Que piensan ustedes? pic.twitter.com/CCM44iloIR

— Patria Orgullosa. (@patriaorgullosa) April 18, 2018

READ MORE: Cuba Elects New National Assembly to Relinquish Castro's Presidency

The National Assembly of People's Power of Cuba (parliament) has elected its speaker, which once again became Esteban Laso Hernandez, receiving 100% of the votes cast.

The session is being held at the Palace of Congresses and is attended by incumbent leader Raul Castro and First Vice President Miguel Diaz-Canel, who is likely to be the frontrunner in the race for leadership.

During the first day of the session, 605 lawmakers elected at the parliamentary election on March 11 will start their work. They will also choose the Council of Ministers with its head becoming the new leader of Cuba.

Raul Castro has been ruling Cuba since 2008, succeeding his brother Fidel. In 2013, he began his second tenure and promised that he would not seek re-election and resign from the office in April.